Australia v Sri Lanka ODI Betting: Get on Sri Lanka in Hobart

ODI preview / Andrew Hughes / 23 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Expect fireworks from Dilshan

"With back to back wins under their belt, Sri Lanka are the form team of the competition."

The Commonwealth Bank Series rolls into Tasmania on Friday and Andrew Hughes thinks punters should oppose the Aussies

February 24, Australia v Sri Lanka, Hobart, Live on Sky Sports 1, 03:20 GMT

Team News
The removal of Ricky Ponting means that Australia will need to reshuffle again. Returning captain Michael Clarke will slot in at three and if Shane Watson is fit, he will open with David Warner. Daniel Christian will be squeezed out if Watson does return and Ryan Harris may be return in place of Mitchell Starc.

Sri Lanka have found a winning combination by moving Mahela Jayawardene to open. With their one weak link, Lahiru Thirimanne in the runs on Tuesday and their bowlers all in form, there is no reason for them to make any changes. They do have Sachithra Senanayake as a second spinner if they think the pitch looks dry.

Venue and Conditions
This will be only the second day-night ODI played at the Bellerive Oval and we probably can't draw too many conclusions from the first as that was played in damp conditions after significant rainfall. Still, it is worth noting that only once has a team passed 250 in the last five ODIs here and pitches in Hobart have tended to offer plenty of pace and bounce for the quicker bowlers.

Match Odds
Having got their campaign back on track with a convincing demolition of India in their last game, a win in Hobart will see Australia into the finals. But Sri Lanka have been steadily improving. They lost the first encounter with their hosts by just five runs and won the second comfortably. With back to back wins under their belt, Sri Lanka are the form team of the competition.

On paper, this should be a close game. Both sides have fast bowlers who can pose a threat in these conditions and both have top class ODI batsmen who are coming into form. The presence of a fully fit Shane Watson might just give Australia the edge, but this is one of those situations where the odds dictate the selection and with Sri Lanka as high as [2.6] you have to side with the visitors.

Top Australian Batsman
With the return of Clarke, the removal of Ponting and David Warner at last in the runs, this is a tricky market to weigh up. David Hussey at six has been Australia's most consistent batsman so far, but if the top order start to pull their weight, he may not have much batting to do. Clarke, Watson and Peter Forrest all have good claims but I'll go with Warner who should enjoy this pitch and should be backed at [5.0]

Top Sri Lankan Batsman
Kumar Sangakkara is in the doldrums at the moment so this comes down to a choice between Tillakaratne Dilshan, Dinesh Chandimal or captain Mahela Jayawardene. The preference is for the destructive Dilshan who made a blistering start against the Aussie quicks in Brisbane. He should be backed at [5.0] or better.

Featured Market
Although the Hobart pitch offers plenty for quicker bowlers, the pace true bounce makes it easier to time the ball and expansive stroke play can be rewarded. The average top score here in the last ten ODIs is over 98 so it's worth considering backing 'Over 82.5' in the Highest Individual Score market at [1.9] or higher.

Recommended Bet
Sri Lanka to beat Australia at 2.6